The Missouri State Bears kicked off their 2023 football season with a daunting task, facing the No. 8 ranked Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. As expected, the Bears were significant underdogs, and the matchup proved challenging as they fell to the Aggies by a score of 50-0.
Despite the lopsided score, Missouri State's defense showed some resilience, particularly in the first half. Texas A&M started strong, executing a 58-yard touchdown drive on their opening possession. However, the Bears' defense tightened up afterward, allowing only 68 yards over the next three drives. This defensive stand included a forced fumble by linebacker Joel Boamah, who stripped the ball from Aggies wide receiver Isaiah Horton, providing a glimmer of hope for Missouri State as they trailed 9-0 in the second quarter.
Head coach Casey Woods expressed satisfaction with the tackling displayed by his team, noting the challenge posed by Texas A&M's ability to break tackles. "I was pleased with our tackling performance. That’s a good tackle-breaking team," Woods commented, highlighting the competitive nature of the game despite the outcome.
Missouri State's defense was led by captain Jared Lloyd, who had a standout performance with a career-high 13 total tackles, including seven solo tackles. Woods praised Lloyd's understanding of the game and his physicality, emphasizing his leadership on the field even while dealing with a hand injury.
On the offensive side, Missouri State struggled significantly against the speed and depth of Texas A&M's defense. The Bears' offense was unable to find any rhythm, with six of their eleven drives resulting in three-and-outs. They managed only 67 total yards throughout the game, with quarterback Skyler Locklear completing 8 of 17 passes for just 30 yards. The Bears' inability to establish a run game early in the contest further hampered their offensive efforts.
Woods acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, "As we move forward, we have to learn from the mistakes. We have to protect the ball. We have to have a better plan that we can execute on third downs." The Bears' performance was marred by three turnovers, which contributed significantly to their defeat, as they held possession for just 17 minutes and 15 seconds.
In addition to their offensive woes, Missouri State faced injury concerns, particularly on the defensive side. Key starters, including cornerback Joel Kpassou, linebacker Hieko Malone, and defensive tackles Tim Brantley Jr. and Gilles Tchio, all exited the game due to injuries. The team will be looking for updates on their status as they prepare for their next game against Lindenwood.
Despite the disappointing result, Woods remains optimistic about his team's potential. "I’m really disappointed in the result right now, but I’m encouraged by the makeup of this team," he said, signaling a commitment to improvement as the season progresses.
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